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General Information   

Check-In begins at 8A.M. on Thursday, February 11, 2010 and ends Friday, February 12, 2010 at 5:00 P.M. Alpacas should be in place by 7:00 P.M., on Friday. Any late arrivals need to make prior arrangements. A fee will be charged for late arrivals and all trailers will be required to obtain an entrance pass via the check-in station before entering the barn.

Fleece must be checked in by 5 P.M. on THURSDAY or mailed in. Fleece judging begins at noon on Friday.

Age: Suri Yearling 3"-11" (Must have been shorn within 380 days of the 1st day of scheduled judging) Minimum of 3 inches and maximum of 11 inches on the blanket, neck and legs.  Huacaya & Suri Yearling 3" - No Maximum (Not previously shorn or previously shorn beyond 380 days)  Minimum of 3 inches and no maximum on blanket, neck and legs.

Check-out is February 14, 2010, at the conclusion of the show – approximately 3:00 P.M., on Sunday. All trailers entering the barn for loading are required to obtain a pass from the information desk. Fines will be imposed on trailers entering the barn prior to obtaining a release.

Stalls will be 10’ X 10’ accommodating 3-4 alpacas depending on age. Stall will have packed dirt floors with the possibility of shavings. Exhibitors may provide their own alternative floor covering. Stall space must be reserved for farm displays. City fire codes prohibit tables and/or chairs being placed in the aisles.

Veterinarian Services will be available for emergency situations only and expenses are the responsibility of the owner. Contact a core staff member for contact information.

Feed and Hay are the responsibility of the exhibitor, and is not available at the event.

Fans and extension cords are allowed. ALL EXTENSION CORDS MUST BE GFCI APPROVED. No exceptions.

Dogs or other pets are not allowed.

Trailer Parking is available at the Will Rogers Center. RV Parking, contact the event coordinators for details or call 817-877-2427.

*** Kids Club was awesome last year and returning this year in the MacFarland A Room, beginning Friday afternoon and running all weekend. This is a place for your kids to stay, play, watch movies, make crafts, and enjoy themselves! This is provided at NO CHARGE and is available only to SHOW PARTICIPANTS children.

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Check-in and Check out Procedure

You will enter from the side street and into the Barn #4 area that is on the south end of the arena.  In Barn #4 we will perform the Health Check, Color Check, and Registration.  On completion of this process you will obtain your entrance pass that will allow you to enter the barn with your trailer and animals.  Do not enter the barn as you have in the past.  Follow signs posted on the main entrance.  Check out can be obtained from the Show Office upon completion of the show and after the show office has verified all required documents were obtained and processed.  If you are arriving after 5 pm you will need to make arrangements and be aware you may be imposed a fee.  Volunteers check in will start Wednesday Feb. 10,  Exhibitors check in will start at 12:00 on Thurs. Feb 11.


2010 Check-in at Barn 4 - Show Site Map ( jpg format )

Download - Driving directions

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Show Information

The AOBA Certified Alpaca Show will begin at 9:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 13, 2010 with exhibitors meeting at 8:30 A.M.  The AOBA Certified Fleece Show will begin at noon on Friday.

Registration Halter or Spin-Off.   All registrations are required to be entered online.

Class Information – Classes may be expanded and/or combined based on the number of entries. 

Rules – In accordance with the 2010 AOBA Show Handbook.

Entry Deadline – All entries must be postmarked, faxed, or transmitted on-line by midnight, January 25th.  A late fee of $20 per class will be assessed for all entries received after the above date. LATE FEES WILL BE ENFORCED!  Cancellations or substitutions after the deadline are subject to a $30 administrative fee and stall fees will not be refunded.  No refunds or substitutions will be made after Saturday, February 6, 2010.  NO ENTRIES ACCEPTED AFTER FEBRUARY 6, 2010.  Late entries must be faxed or overnight mailed and be accompanied by a phone call to the event coordinator. 

Class Fees - $35 per entry and a $6 AOBA fee per alpaca entered.  A $75 Farm Fee will be assessed for exhibitors who are not members of the AOBA Show Division.  Performance related classes such as obstacle, public relations, and showmanship will be $10 per class with the $6 AOBA fee if the animal is not entered in a halter or fleece class.

Requirements – – Alpacas must be at least 6 months of age by February 13, 2010 and have a microchip inserted. The microchip number must be listed on the ARI Certificate, the bar code label from the microchip or legibly hand written is acceptable. A copy of the ARI Registration certificate must accompany the entry, for any clarifications or questions contact the Show Superintendent.

Color Designations – Determined by using the current ARI Color Chart and the AOBA Show Division Handbook color definitions. Color/Compliance Checking - Color and Compliance, including fiber length check, verification of all entries will be done prior to show time.

Entries – Must be made in the name of the current registered owner as per the ARI registration certificate. If the alpaca is being purchased and the ARI registration certificate is not yet transferred to the new owner’s name a Buyer’s Permission to Show Form must accompany the ARI Registration Certificate and entry form. Buyer’s Permission to Show Forms are available at www.alpacashows.com under the Apps and Forms button.

Group Classes – Offered are Get of Sire, Produce of Dam, Breeder’s Best Three, and Bred and Owned Yearling and will follow the AOBA rules. Alpacas entered in a group class must be eligible and entered in their respective halter classes.

Performance Classes – Consist of Obstacle, Public Relations and Showmanship.  Youth must show in the youth division. 

Youth Classes – Offered in the Obstacle, Showmanship, and Public Relation classes.

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Health Requirements

Health Requirements will be checked upon arrival. 

All alpacas entered in or present at all AOBA Certified shows must be negative for BVDV by a PCR or VI (If VI prior to 1/1/2010) lab test and said negative results shall be indicated on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)- Health Papers.  Bring a copy of your CVI for your Show Superintendent, as they are required to keep a copy. All alpacas entering the grounds must have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within 30 days of the last day of the event and this certificate must have the alpaca’s name and matching microchip number.

All Alpacas attending the show, regardless of state of origin, 18 months and older must have TB & Brucellosis testing within the last 6 months, with the exception of geldings. Check with your veterinarian for Texas Health requirements or visit the website at www.tahc.state.tx.us. 

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TxOLAN Membership

TxOLAN is comprised of ranches from Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and New Mexico.  Being a TxOLAN member entitles your ranch to discounts at the show, advertising on the website, a vote for the membership at the general meeting, and other membership rights.   Discounts are based on current membership for existing members and for new members it can either be on membership for the show year or by becoming a member in the current year by October 15th for early bird or December 31st for registration.  Opting to become a member for the show year of 2010 will not allow you to be listed on the website until after January 1st.  For more details contact Tom Kania at www.alpacagal@aol.com. 

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Early Bird

Early Bird is being offered to participants until the deadline set above (see index).  The Early Bird registration is for Stalls and/or Farm Displays only and allows the ranch to receive a discount for early registration.  Events and Show Entries will follow the normal deadline.  Early Bird discounts to TxOLAN members are based on 2009 memberships.

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Speakers 

Dr. Toni Cotton

Suris of the Western Slope - Ridgway, Colorado

Biography: Dr. Toni Cotton who attended graduate studies in veterinary medicine at The Ohio State University. Dr. Cotton started her own practice, Camelid Veterinary Services, in 1994 and specializes in camelid reproduction. Dr. Cotton teaches neonatal clinics at The Ohio State University and the University of California and offers the clinics locally two to three times a year. Dr. Cotton is an adjunct professor to The Camelid Health Program at The Ohio State University. Dr. Cotton has started a new practice in Ridgway, Camelid Reproduction Center of the Western Slope. Toni welcomes reproductive and neonatal cases. Knowledge is power but when it comes to alpacas knowledge is the difference between life and death. Dr. Toni Cotton, DVM is on of the country's leading experts on camelid reproduction and neonatal care. She teaches seminars and classes at various locations throughout the year. Register today for one of her neonatal clinics consider her for your alpaca continuing educations. You will learn more than you thought possible in such a short time. Dr. Toni Cotton will be speaking on Neonatal and her afternoon includes a hands on lab.

Bill Watkins

Frostglen - Loudon, Tennessee

Biography: Bill Watkins and his wife, Sherry, have been breeding alpacas since 1991 and have both suris and huacayas. They have worked with sheep, alpacas, fiber, and fabrics for over 35 years. Bill holds an M.S. degree in physics from the University of Tennessee and is the senior electrical engineer for the local utility company. Early in their children’s 4-H sheep program, Bill learned to shear to assist small flock owners. Concentrating on quality and nick-free shearing, he rapidly came to be in high demand from spinners who own their own flocks. The transition to alpacas was easy and emphasis has always been on harvesting the valuable fiber with the highest quality shearing job possible. Bill developed and taught his first alpaca shearing school in Atlanta in 1997, and presented this school as a seminar at the AOBA Conference in from 1999 to 2002 and 2004. Needing a convenient but secure way to restrain alpacas while shearing, Bill developed a device using a sectioned pipe and brackets with cam cleats on both ends. Manufactured by Rain Dance Pond, the Pro-Tie, is affordable, portable and sturdy. Quality manufacture and a smooth powder paint finish makes the Pro-Tie one of your best investments for alpaca care.

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Free Seminars 

Saturday – 10:00 am - Group of Expert Alpaca Breeders to answer your Questions.

Saturday – 1:00 pm - Darby speaking on EPD.

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Volunteer Opportunities

There are many opportunities to volunteer for the show and they can be enjoyable and rewarding experiences.  TxOLAN takes great pride in their volunteers and last year started a reward program.  For anyone who volunteers a minimum of two hours of their time they will receive a recognition pin.  There are many volunteers position that are at the show and require only two hours of your time.  There are also Core Staff Positions that require you to be involved at some level prior to the show and/or for an extended amount of time.  Each Core Staff Position is a two-year commitment; the first year is as an apprentice and then the following year as the lead.  You can learn more about volunteer just a few of the positions by reading the brief description below, visiting with a person who has volunteered in years past, or by contacting the volunteer coordinator.

Event Coordinator – Responsible for coordinating and planning the event in all aspects and to perform the task as committee chair for all committees.  Reports to the TxOLAN Board on progress and performs the task of any volunteer that is absent.

Volunteer Coordinator – Organizes the volunteers and recruits volunteers.  Works with each core staff member to identify the number of volunteers they require to fulfill their task.

Registration Desk Administrator -  This individual is responsible for the registration desk, process of the check in, information desk throughout the show, check out process, and assisting the Event coordinator with getting the show moving.  

Show Superintendent – Ensures that the show is conducted in full accordance with the AOBA Show Division rules.  Responsible for the accuracy of the information and results of the halter and performance show entries.  Good organizations skills, experience with Excel and a complete understanding of the show rules will be very helpful.  Works very closely with the Event Coordinator.

Fleece Superintendent – Is responsible for organizing and coordinating the fleece portion of the show.  They work with the Show Superintendent to estimate number of ribbons for ordering, make sure the judging station is as requested by the judges, check in the fleece, and make sure that TxOLAN is following the AOBA rules on the fleece portion. Any fleece needing to be mailed back are handled by the Fleece Superintendent.

Spin-off Coordinator – This individual is responsible for coordinating the Handcrafter's Spin-off.  Receives entries from the Show Superintendent, weighs and bags entries in preparation for the judges.  Works with the judges to make sure that TxOLAN is following the AOBA rules on the Handcrafter's Spin-off portion.  When judging is complete, this coordinator collects information with spun entries and prepares them for display at the show.  Any skeins needing to be mailed back are handled by the Spin-off Coordinator.

Show Ring Administrator – This individual is responsible for coordinating and setting up the show ring and making sure that the positions are staffed.  They are second in command to the Show Superintendent and also responsible for getting the rings set up for obstacle and other performance classes.  They assist gatekeepers and ring stewards when required.

Gatekeepers – Are responsible for making sure everyone one is ready to enter the ring and in the appropriate order.

Ring Steward – Assist the judge in the ring, may be required to assist the handler in holding the animal and give them guidance in the ring standard.

Program Administrator – Gathers all the ads and information for the program and gets it to the printer.

Silent  and Live Auction Administrator –  This individual gathers donation items for the live and silent auction and works with the board to determine what is live auction versus silent.  They oversee the auction during the show and collections of the proceeds after.

Fashion Show Administrator -  Coordinates the fashion show.  Is responsible for gathering the items, models, setting up the stage, and running the fashion show.  Most models are acquired from farm members participating in the show or vendors.

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Sponsorship and Ad Opportunities

This year TxOLAN is offering the members and other breeders an opportunity to sponsor the show in several different ways.  Any of these options will also give the ranches marketing and advertising at the show and possibly throughout the year.  There will be three levels of Sponsorship: Gold, Silver and Bronze.  You will also have the opportunity to sponsor Color Classes, which include the Class, the Color Reserve, and the Color Champion.  You will be allowed to choose your color and gender preference and we will accommodate as best as we can.  Then there is the traditional program ad.  Please review the perks to the Gold, Silver, and Bronze and notice that these sponsorships are limited to six Bronze, four silver, and two Gold.  The Ad Deadline this year will be December 15th and all of these sponsorships will either have ads or be listed as sponsors in the program.  Therefore, the deadline for choosing your sponsorship is December 15th.  But opportunities are limited so don’t delay 

Processing of ad for the Program

This is how getting your ads processed for the 2010 TxOLAN Spectacular Show Book will work:

• Send your ad directly to Tom Kaina.

• For photos, please use jpg or pdf format.

• Briefly describe what is on the ad so that we know we have the correct one

• Deadline to have your ads in is December 15, 2010.

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Fleece Show

Our fleece show continues to grow with our halter show and has become a really nice fleece show.  This year we will be moving to a larger room as we expect to see even more fleece this year.  We will also be starting the fleece judging on Friday at noon, therefore, all fleece MUST BE CHECKED IN BY 6:00 PM on Thursday.  If you are not arriving until sometime Friday you can mail in your fleece and then pick them up after the show. 

Instructions for mail-in fleeces

The Show Committee for TxOLAN met and has decided that we will accept mail-in fleeces.

The deadline for submitting your registration forms and the associated fees to our event coordinator is January 25, 2010.

As for physically receiving, safeguarding your fleece(s) and returning them safely to you, we will be able to honor your fleece registration when you:

1.    Submit your fleeces post marked no later than Feb. 1, 2010 to:
   
    Chip Stanley
    1632 Shady Grove Rd.
    Weatherford, Tx 76088
    817-929-4740
2.   Notify the fleece show manager by e-mail of the tracking number of your shipment, when you have shipped it, so that either you or TxOLAN can locate your fleece(s) in the event of problems with your shipment. The address for shipping the fleeces to is a UPS or FedEx address only. USPS does not deliver to this address.

3.   Notify the fleece show manager of a telephone number(s) and the times you may be reached during the show, in the event we need to contact you.

4.   Submit a pre-paid return label so that we may return your fleece(s), your fleece's scorecard and any ribbons you may win - think positive! Postage for your original shipment plus postage for an extra 1/2 pound would be sufficient.

5.   As a courtesy, should you decide not to enter your fleece(s) after you have submitted your registration form or you locate another alpaca owner coming to the show who is willing to bring your fleece, please notify the event coordinator or the fleece show manager so that we may respond to your new circumstance appropriately?

We're looking forward to your participation in our TxOLAN Alpaca Spectacular Fleece Show. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail the Event Coordinator or the Fleece Show Superintendent.

Fleece Registration - click here

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Handcrafter's Spin-Off

Our Handcrafter's Spin-off drew wonderful entries last year, and has continued to grow. To enter the Spin-off competition, submit a two-ounce sample of your prime fiber (the sample may be picked free of grass and debris, but not washed) for each animal. A professional spinner will then process and spin your fiber into a small skein of yarn. Your fiber will be judged on characteristics such as staple length, lack of guard hair, uniformity, fineness, hand, luster, ease of preparation for spinning, and lock structure. This is a great opportunity to have samples of your fleece spun and evaluated for potential buyers.  You will receive invaluable feedback on your fleece that may assist you in your breeding decisions.

The judges will ensure that your entries are handled in the most accurate, professional and unbiased was possible.  We look forward to receiving your entries this year and wish you the best of luck in the competition!  *** Please Note *** Your entries must be entered ONLINE by clicking on the link below and payment received by October 31st.  The system will create your entry tags for you.  Simply mail the tags with your fleece, a copy of the animal's ARI registration, and a picture of your animal attached to the lower right hand corner of the ARI copy (for display). Any questions may be directed to Cyndi Daugherty at alpacas@pacadlites.com or 972-442-0110.

Mail To:
  Cyndi Daugherty
  3603 Hogge Rd.
  Parker, Tx 75002-6733
  alpacas@pacadlites.com
  972-442-0110

ALL ENTRIES MUST INCLUDE:
1. 2 oz. fiber sample (WEIGH CAREFULLY)
2. Copy of alpaca's ARI Certificate (and permission to show form, if necessary)
3. Color photo of alpaca (3 ½ X 5 or 4 X 6)
4. Register your entry - click here.

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Fashion Show

Our Fashion Show is another of our many entertaining activities.  We get models from a local modeling school and even mix in a few of our ranch people and model Alpaca Apparel and accessories.  If you would like to become a model or as a supplier place some of your items in the Fashion Show please contact the Fashion Show Coordinator listed at the top of the page under Show Volunteers.

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2010 TxOLAN Spectacular Auction Donations

A large part of TxOLAN’s success is due to the many donations to the auctions and generous contributions from the bidders. The TxOLAN Board of Directors and membership greatly appreciate the support of all parties that contribute to the continued success of TxOLAN. As many of you are aware there is a silent auction that goes on during the show and then the live auction after the Dinner on Saturday night. Please join us for a great evening! After a unanimous decision by the TxOLAN Board it has been decided that 25% of the proceeds from our herdsire auction, with the exception of the CONOPA donation with Golden One, will go to alpaca related research and/or education scholarships in the TxOLAN region. So….Bid High and Bid Often!!!

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Photo Contest

Send your photographs or digital prints for the photo contest!  Photos will be judged by a professional photographer for content, composition, creativity, and how well they depict the entered category. Entry fee is $10 per photo and one photo per category is allowed.

CATEGORIES:

1. Alpacas Interacting - show action between alpaca and alpaca; alpaca and
other animal; or alpaca and person.

2. Black and White - shows an alpaca and has artistic merit.

3. Computer Enhanced - be creative, include one or more alpaca, and artistically enhance the image of the alpaca.

4. Cria - individual cria caught at a special moment.

5. Farm Scene - include at least one alpaca.

6. Humor - alpacas doing something that makes you laugh.

NOTE: Photos requirements are as follows: 8 x 10 inches only. Photos will be on display and must be mounted on foam board and may have a matting frame only. No other frames are allowed.

INSTRUCTIONS: Fill out the attached form for each photo. This form will showcase the photo’s farm, photographer, caption, and category. Place the downloadable label on the back of each photo and fill out.  Photos entered in the contest must have been taken in the past year, between January 1, 2009 and before January 1, 2010.
ENTRY DEADLINE IS JANUARY 25, 2010

AWARDS: Winning photos will receive First, Second and Third place ribbons. All photos will be on display during the show. Photos will be returned, and can be picked up after the show, or mailed back with ribbons if you wish to provide a SASE.

Mail photos and entry forms and fees (checks to TxOLAN Spectacular) to:
    Susan Frank
    1008 Jessica Lane
    Crane, TX. 79731     432-556-2147
If you will be bringing your photos to the show, they must be turned in no later than 5:00 P.M. on Friday, February 12th.
Absolutely NO PHOTOS will be accepted after 5:00 P.M.

Photo Contest Labels MS Word format - click here

Photo Contest Labels PDF format - click here

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Host Hotel

Courtyard by Marriott-West Lands End - ask for TxOLAN Alpaca Show Special  Hot Breakfeast for 2 beginning @ 6:00 AM on Saturday & Sunday of the show.  Reservations made after the cut-off date of 1/14/10 will be made on an available basis only.

 All Trailers will be parked at the Will Rogers Center - NOT at the Host Hotel

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Vendors

TxOLAN has a variety of vendors and welcomes new vendors each year.  We generally have an Alpaca Farm Supply Vendor, fencing, feeders, trailers, crafts, fiber, clothing, accessories, bears and much more.  Vendor booths are 10x10 and cost $165 a space. Please let the vendor coordinator know if you will be needing electricity in your space.  Vendors are also encouraged to participate in the program ad, sponsorship opportunities and the auctions.

Vendor Registration - click here

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